Yesterday, South Australian brewery Coopers unveiled its new $70m home at an official opening event at the Regency Park site.
Sitting alongside the existing brewery, the new, world-class facility brings unrivaled visitor experiences to the site, featuring a restaurant, three bars, a dedicated tasting room, an expansive outdoor plaza and interactive history displays.
One of the key features at the visitor’s centre is the new whisky distillery. Complete with custom-made copper whisky stills, this facility will allow Coopers to produce whisky for the first time in the brand’s 162-year history.
The new space also includes a microbrewery, allowing Coopers to experiment with craft beer styles and unique brews which will be served exclusively at the visitor’s centre.
Coopers Managing Director Dr Tim Cooper says the development is one of the most exciting projects that brewery has undertaken since its founding, and that the team has been humbled by the public’s support as the building took shape.
“We wanted every aspect to be truly world-class and of the highest quality. It’s a significant, long-term investment by our family company and our vote of confidence in the future of Coopers and Australia’s manufacturing industry,” he explained.
“Coopers is very proud to have created a highly unique and immersive experience that ultimately celebrates the very best of Australian beer. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across Australia and overseas into our new home.
“At the same time, our brewing and distilling team is focused on the opportunities that will emerge from the on-site microbrewery and whisky distillery.”
South Australian Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC officiated the opening, which was attended by the Cooper family and more than 300 industry professionals.
In officiating the opening of the visitor’s centre, Honourable Frances Adamson AC said: “I’m sure I speak for South Australians when I say Coopers is in the top rank of our states companies, indeed it is probably no exaggeration to say that many South Australian customers would put you as their number one.”
She continued: “The new visitor’s centre speaks to a broader mission and will provide a rich tourism experience for local, interstate and overseas visitors. This new development incorporates restaurants, bars, an outdoor plaza, dining, a dedicated tasting room, an interactive history display, a microbrewery and a whisky distillery. Who here would not want to come back and try all of this?
“Branching out into whisky is yet another example of Coopers not resting on its past, but looking to the future by building on it’s strengths. I congratulate everyone who’s taken this impressive concept to reality […], it’s an impressive, striking symbol of the growth of the company.”
The Shout will share more from the official launch of Coopers’ new home later in the week.
I’m an Australian born and bred in Adelaide now living in Crete Greece in retirement. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a real beer. I can’t find Coopers anywhere here. Can you find an agent here in Crete and change that. Just asking as a die hard Coopers fan. Jim